Uncovering the Most Bizarre Forgotten Consoles of the 2000s!

by

Summary

  • Unsuccessful consoles like Zeebo, Panasonic Q, and Sony PSX offered unique features but failed due to poor sales and limited availability.
  • Zeebo was an edutainment console, Panasonic Q could play DVDs, and Sony PSX played PS1 and PS2 games, but only Japan releases hurt sales.
  • Nokia N-Gage combined mobile phone and handheld gaming, attracting third-party developers, but failed commercially due to high costs.

The battle amongst sixth-generation video game consoles, marked by the debut of Sega Dreamcast in 1998, reached its climax during the 2000s with the arrival of PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, creating a fierce competition that significantly shaped gaming for future generations. However, some lesser-known consoles got overshadowed amidst the intense rivalry between these three heavyweights.

In the gaming world during the 2000s, I found myself drawn to some unique consoles that unfortunately couldn’t keep up with the juggernauts like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. They either catered to a specific niche market, had limited software libraries, or were not widely available worldwide, which led them to slowly disappear from the scene. While some of these systems offered intriguing services that set them apart, others simply didn’t deliver what gamers craved during that era.

Competing with the big three was a challenge back then, and it still is today as they continue to dominate the hardware production landscape. These experiences have shown me just how cutthroat and dynamic the gaming industry can be. Some of these consoles were peripherals or add-ons for the larger companies’ systems, but they didn’t capture players’ hearts or minds enough to generate significant sales figures.

4. Zeebo

A Hybrid Game Console And Edutainment System

The Zeebo wasn’t your typical video game console; it was specifically crafted to capitalize on the growing entertainment markets in countries such as Brazil and Mexico. What set it apart was its dual role as an edutainment machine, capable of connecting to the internet and running educational apps, thus extending its functionalities beyond those of contemporary consoles. In essence, it served as a bridge between traditional video game consoles and home computers, offering email and social network features as well.

In late 2009, Zeebo was introduced in Mexico and Brazil, boasting some popular game titles from well-known franchises such as Resident Evil, Crash Bandicoot, Quake, and FIFA. Positioned for families and kids, Zeebo encountered challenges competing in a market undergoing hardware transformation, leading to weak sales and the company’s need to reassess the platform strategy. Although plans for launching in other countries were made, Zeebo Inc. eventually shut down the device and closed its operations in 2014.

3. Panasonic Q

Slick Revision Of GameCube Hardware Allowed It To Play Other Forms Of Media

Nintendo had previously experimented with unique hardware add-ons for their systems, like the 64DD for the Nintendo 64 and later attempts with the GameCube. This time, they collaborated with electronics manufacturer Panasonic to develop a new version of the GameCube known within the community as the Panasonic Q. The Panasonic Q was not an add-on but rather an upgraded version of the original GameCube, featuring several new enhancements. This was one of many strategies Nintendo employed to challenge the dominance of the PS2 and Xbox.

The Panasonic Q model had an impressive ability to play every GameCube game available, but it offered additional features as well. It supported DVD playback, a feature that was absent from the original console. Moreover, it could handle CD and MP3 files, and boasted an LCD screen on its front panel, along with a Dolby 5.1 headphone jack. Regrettably, the Panasonic Q was exclusive to Japan, resulting in slow sales and prompting Nintendo to halt production shortly after release.

2. Sony PSX

Sony-Branded DVR Played PS1 And PS2 Games

Three years following the debut of the PS2 in 2003, the Sony PlayStation Extended emerged as an exceptional gadget, serving not only as a digital video recorder but also compatible with playing every single PlayStation 1 and 2 game. The DVR capabilities were impressive, allowing playback of DVDs and CDs, and recording to both DVD and CD formats. However, it was initially lacking support for CD-R and DVD+RW formats, which was later addressed through firmware updates shortly after its release. Moreover, it was the first Sony device to adopt the highly popular XMB UI, a feature that would significantly influence the PS3’s design three years down the line.

The Sony PlayStation X debuted exclusively in Japan, making it less appealing to a broader market due to this restriction. Furthermore, its price point of approximately $270 made it a luxury item, significantly more costly than other Sony home consoles at the time. This high price and limited global availability contributed to poor sales for the PSX, which was eventually discontinued in 2005. Despite its shortcomings, the PSX had a significant impact on the development of the PlayStation 3 and shaped Sony’s identity in the gaming industry moving forward.

1. The Nokia N-Gage

Mobile Phone Meets Dedicated Handheld Gaming Machine

During the 2000s, the market for video games experienced rapid growth, while mobile gaming was on an upward trajectory towards greatness. Recognizing these trends and aiming to enter both the mobile and handheld gaming markets, Nokia joined in by unveiling their product, the N-Gage, at the Mobile Internet Conference in 2002. This innovative device combined a standard cell phone with a dedicated video game system, which was quite daring when it launched in 2003. The N-Gage managed to attract many third-party developers during this period.

Initially, the selection of games for the N-Gage was quite impressive, boasting popular franchises such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Sonic, and Tomb Raider. In subsequent years, additional releases like Splinter Cell, Rayman, and even Spider-Man expanded its library substantially. Unfortunately, the high cost of software development and expensive hardware production led to the N-Gage being a commercial flop. The mobile company attempted to resolve these problems by introducing an upgraded version called the N-Gage QD, but by this point, the damage had already been done. Eventually, Nokia ceased production of the device in 2006.

Read More

2025-04-16 21:44